Encounter was created as a graduate project for Academy of Art University. The project was focused on creating a series of furnishings for a San Francisco lounge in the style of Virgin Galactic, combining fundamental elements of both the historic city and the newest branch of Virgin's iconic brand.

Virgin Galactic promises its customers the ride of a lifetime: a chance to experience the awe of space travel as an ordinary civilian. This is an experience that will connect us with the deeper essence of being a human and resident of the Earth. To relate such a significant moment in a person's life requires means of communication outside of the informal realm of typical social media outlets. It is an experience that must be shared and understood from one human being to another directly, passionately, and honestly.

San Francisco has stood as a shining beacon of hope for both domestic and international visitors, drawing people in with the opportunity for personal fulfillment and a culture of accepting openness. It stands as a city that welcomes all and has created a culture of interesting outsiders each brimming with their own unique stories and perspectives. This culture is one which connects people in their shared differences and bonds them together with a shared dream of living your life on your own terms.

By creating a piece that beckons conversations and facilitates deep, meaningful discourse, Encounter allows its occupants to share in the most truly human experience of connection between people and aids in the development of an empathetic interaction.

Encounter was created as a graduate project for Academy of Art University. The project was focused on creating a series of furnishings for a San Francisco lounge in the style of Virgin Galactic, combining fundamental elements of both the historic city and the newest branch of Virgin's iconic brand. I chose to focus on the profoundly human experience of space travel and the interpersonal connections fostered by the people and culture of San Francisco.

Based on the smooth curves of the Virgin Galactic brand, various chair forms were explored that would provide both a comfortable seating experience as well as facilitate conversations between people.

Using basic materials, the initial concepts were further developed into physical models in order to explore additional characteristics of the finished piece and possible methods of constructing the finished piece.

The sketch models were evaluated based on their success in fulfilling the set program of facilitating communication while also expressing the Virgin Galactic brand aesthetic. The larger model allowed issues relating to full scale production to come to the forefront and the first realistic evaluation of potential ergonomic concerns.

A full-scale ergonomic buck was created in order to examine the realistic fit and feel of the finished chair design. Due to the minimal nature of the design, each element of the chairs curvature needed to be adjustable in order explore various sitting postures. By dividing the curve into panels mounted via large wing nuts to a static frame, a variety of stable positions were tested.

The buck was upholstered with 1" of closed-cell foam and topped with 2.5" of open-cell foam to provide initial softness and as well as reduced possibility of pressure points. The pads were then finished off with a fabric made from 80% natural wool to allow the pads to breath and endure ware from repeated testing.

The ergonomic buck was used by a variety of body types and the individual elements of the chair, although connected to each other via gate hinges, could be re-positioned to accommodate an ideal configuration for the majority of those tested.

Using the information garnered from the adjustable ergonomic buck, the full-size volumetric study was constructed to better understand the overall footprint of the finished piece and the relation of the opposing seating elements to each other.

The larger elements of the the volumetric study were cut on the CNC and the internal elements were framed using rough lumber. The study was then skinned using pressed cardboard structural sheathing screwed onto the edges of the 3/4" plywood frame.

The volumetric study was painted matte white and screw holes were filled for an even overall finish. A table surface was created from 1/2" foam board and mounted between the opposing seats to act as a functional surface as well as create a modest personal barrier between the occupants. Painters tape was used to mark the transition between the upholstered cushions and the molded wooden structure of the finished piece. 

Although not required by the assignment, the structural nature of the materials used to create the volumetric study allowed two fellow classmates to test out the usability of the 1:1 scale mock-up. The top of the backrests end just below 4' and provide a sheltered experience for a conversation as well as an ample headrest for even the very tall. 

The symmetrical nature of the design does not give preference to one side or the other and the equal seating height allows eye contact at a level view. Typically, the heads of the occupants are positioned around 3.5' apart to afford a personal conversation without the imposition of another person too close to one's personal space.

By taking the time to perfect the seat and backrest angle using the adjustable ergonomic buck, the finish volumetric study was comfortable enough for prolonged seating even without the upholstery of the finished design.

A finished 1:8 scale model was created using dense foam, primer, several paint types, and acrylic to show the finalized design taking into account all the previous development and testing. 

Based on feedback received during the design development, the color of the upholstery was changed to white in order to match the white paint of the body. The differentiation of the two surfaces comes from the matte appearance of the fabric contrasted against the gloss of the painted frame. These two elements are further separated by the aluminum trim that follows the curvature of the seat from the leg, around the backrest, and finally terminates at the central table partition.

Due to the clean lines of the design, very close attention to detail was maintained throughout the construction and finishing of the final model. All elements were represented to scale, down to the lip on the edge of the middle table surface to prevent spilled beverages from dripping onto those seated underneath.